Take a hike

Continuing their ‘Nature Wants you Back’ campaign, Switzerland is promoting its 65,000 kilometres of hiking trails as the ideal fitness and wellness escape during the European summer and Australian winter. Switzerland is known for its snow capped mountains, offering a dense network of hiking trails that feature no less than 50,000 signposts and markers, courtesy of 1,500 volunteers who assist to maintain signage. Switzerland Tourism estimates that around half of all visitors to the country embark on at least one hike during their stay, with some 85 per cent independently arranged. Via Alpina offers a classic, long-distance hike that crosses 14 alpine passes, leading through the northern Alps of Switzerland; the Alpine Passes Trail is a more challenging and wild route, ideal for long-distance hikers; while the lesser-known Jura track is an easy grade with fantastic views.